Zlatan Ibrahimovic Blasts Ronald Koeman's Tactics After Netherlands' World Cup Exit

Zlatan Ibrahimovic blasted Ronald Koeman after the Netherlands' World Cup exit, blaming his defensive tactics for Oranje's defeat to Morocco/ Image: AP,X

The Netherlands' FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign ended in heartbreaking fashion after Morocco completed a dramatic comeback to eliminate Ronald Koeman's side on penalties following a 1-1 draw, but much of the post-match discussion centred not on the result itself, but on the Dutch manager's tactical decisions. Former Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimović launched one of the strongest criticisms of the tournament while working as a FOX Sports pundit, placing the blame for the defeat squarely on Koeman. Thierry Henry, who joined him in the studio, also questioned the Netherlands' conservative game plan, arguing that Morocco deserved to progress because they remained faithful to their identity throughout the contest. Koeman, however, defended his approach, insisting he would make exactly the same decisions again despite the painful elimination.

Late collapse turns Dutch control into penalty heartbreak

The Round of 32 clash appeared to be heading in the Netherlands' favour when Cody Gakpo, playing just days after the heartbreaking loss of his unborn son, gave Oranje the lead in the 72nd minute. The Liverpool forward's goal looked set to send the Netherlands into the Round of 16, but Morocco refused to surrender.

Netherlands' Cody Gakpo (11) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa)

Deep into stoppage time, in the 91st minute, Issa Diop rose to head home the equaliser after a costly defensive lapse, sending the match into extra time and completely shifting the momentum. From that point onwards, Morocco increasingly controlled proceedings. The Netherlands spent long periods defending deep, finishing the latter stages of the contest with just 35 per cent possession as Koeman's side retreated into a compact low block.

Morocco's Issa Diop reacts after he scored his team's first goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the Netherlands and Morocco in Guadalupe, near Monterrey, Mexico, Monday, June 29, 2026. (AP Photo/Ricardo Mazalan)

Goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen kept the Dutch alive with an outstanding save to deny Soufiane Rahimi during extra time, but the resistance finally ended in the penalty shootout when Ismael Saibari calmly converted the decisive spot-kick to send Morocco into the Round of 16, where they will face Canada. For the Netherlands, it brought an abrupt end to a disappointing World Cup campaign.

Ibrahimović delivers scathing verdict on Koeman

Speaking on FOX Sports after the match, Ibrahimović made it clear he believed the defeat was entirely self-inflicted."This defeat is Koeman's fault, because I didn't recognise this Dutch team. He lost with an identity that is not the Dutch identity. That makes me angry," Ibrahimović said. The former AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United striker argued that the Netherlands abandoned the attacking philosophy that has traditionally defined their football."I was always taught: attack, attack, attack. This is not the Dutch identity. Today, Koeman looked like an Italian coach playing not to lose, whereas the Netherlands always plays to win. If you lose, at least lose with your own identity and don't change it."This was not the Netherlands I am used to seeing. You can also tell by the way they played that they didn't feel comfortable. The possession was gone, the attacking football was gone. It just looked very bad, and that was all Koeman's fault."I thought it was absolutely nothing, really nothing at all." Ibrahimović had promised when joining FOX Sports' World Cup coverage earlier this year that he would "wake up" audiences with honest analysis, and his assessment of the Netherlands' elimination became one of the strongest post-match reactions of the tournament.

Henry also questions defensive switch

Thierry Henry shared many of Ibrahimović's concerns, although his criticism focused more specifically on Koeman's tactical setup. Before Ibrahimović spoke, Henry praised Morocco for remaining committed to their style of play throughout the evening."The team that tried to win won," Henry said. "They didn't change their shape. They went about what they are, their identity." He contrasted that with the Netherlands, arguing that they appeared more concerned with protecting their advantage than extending it."Morocco tried to win the game," Henry said. "The Netherlands just tried not to lose it." Henry was particularly surprised by Koeman's decision to deploy a back five in such an important knockout fixture."You take off a midfielder to bring on a defender. By doing so, you are basically saying that you are afraid of Morocco. That is allowed, of course. If you win, you are right. If you lose, you are wrong.""I was really surprised, because the Netherlands normally doesn't play like that. But Koeman clearly had a different view on that." The comments echoed Ibrahimović's central argument that the Dutch had drifted away from the attacking identity that has long characterised their national team.

Koeman stands by his decisions despite criticism

Koeman rejected the suggestion that his tactics were responsible for the defeat and insisted the defensive approach had been necessary against one of the tournament's strongest teams."With this defensive approach, we gave away much less than we did during the (group) matches," Koeman said."That was positive, but also we were less offensive. You can think of the tactics whatever you like, but we gave away much less against a team much stronger than Sweden and Tunisia. And if I had to do it again, I would do it the same way again." The Dutch manager also argued that football often judges coaches purely on results rather than performances."I also know that if Morocco hadn't equalised with that late goal, there would be all sorts of compliments for me as the Dutch coach, but now, probably, I'm going to be scolded for the fact that I chose five defenders, but once again, I believe it was necessary." Ultimately, Morocco's dramatic comeback and penalty shootout victory ensured the debate surrounding Koeman's tactical decisions overshadowed the Netherlands' elimination. While Ibrahimović and Henry questioned whether Oranje had abandoned their footballing identity, Koeman remained convinced that his plan was the correct one, even if it ended with another painful World Cup exit.